SJB embroiled in controversy after its MPs secure funds from Govt without party approval

22 April 2024 06:14 am - 41 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, April 22 (Daily Mirror) - The main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), finds itself embroiled in controversy as reports emerge that several of its MPs had received Rs. 50 million each from the government's decentralized budget without nod from the party leadership,Daily Mirror learns.

In the past, the governments used to allocate funds to MPs in the opposition to carry out development projects of their choice in their constituencies. However, such allocations have not taken place for the past five years, Instead, financial allocations for the same purpose were channeled through the district coordinating committees during the period.

The current government has implemented the project and some SJB MPs have secured allocations according to a renewed criterion introduced by the government led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to make sure that money is not used for charity work but employment generation activities.

Among the SJB MPs who received such allocations are Gayantha Karunatilake, Dr.Harsha de Silva, Ajith Mannapperuma, Kavinda Jayawardane and J. C. Alawatuwala.

However, these MPs have not sought approval from the party leadership to get funds from the government.

Asked for a comment in this regard, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said none of these MPs secured the party approval for it.

“We will raise the matter at the next parliamentary group meeting,” he said.

An MP who got Rs. 50 million said the opposition MPs are entitled to this benefit and therefore he applied for financial allocation to carry out people centric work.

“There is nothing wrong in carrying out such work. We are entitled to benefit from the decentralized budget. I don’t see any need to contact the party hierarchy,” he said.

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Comments - 41

Sarath Chandra Fonseka Monday, 22 April 2024 06:35 AM

The problem is that there is no discipline in all parties including government members , so I just can't see any future political party coming into power who are going to be people friendly and wanting to develop the country. With all the financial problems faced by the country and mainly the poor and middle class people in dire straits, still most MPs are clamouring for new vehicles. That is their priority. Are these politicians with any conscience ? All politicians are there only to make money for themselves and their kith and kin by hook or crook.

Jim Monday, 22 April 2024 01:38 PM

Apparently, Sajith, has got the approval for the Sakwala funds from businessmen, where expected payback is through inflated tenders once he comes to power.

Nimal Monday, 22 April 2024 06:39 AM

Ranil is up to his old tricks. Now he is attempting to create divisions in the SJB. Otherwise, why wait until this moment to hand over these funds. Incidentally, we can rest assured that these funds will be used very prudentially and only for their intended purposes.

All Parties are Having Internal Issues Monday, 22 April 2024 12:34 PM

If you have sound and strong foundation with principles, no need to worry. Educated people will decide and vote accordingly. SJB and most other parties are having internal issues. Hope only the right ones get voted in and unite to bring up the standard of living within a timeline.

Amaree Monday, 22 April 2024 06:57 AM

quote "....... MP who got Rs. 50 million said the opposition MPs are entitled to this benefit". Is it a "benefit" or funds to be utilised for projects?

Dirty Monday, 22 April 2024 07:03 AM

This is the way RW buys opposition MPs. This is TAX PAYER's money

Mahila Monday, 22 April 2024 02:05 PM

When Mahendra "The Messiah" did the same thing 2004 - 2014, None raised an Eye Brow!!?? MP’s replicate, Mannerism of whom they represent in Parliament!!! Funny B______’s!!??

Are Funds Channeled Correctly Monday, 22 April 2024 07:12 AM

Is there any auditing done if funds are channeled correctly for all the constituencies or it’s for certain supports only? Can a statement of accomplishments be shown to the public for projects which has been distributed or paid for using these funds in previous 10years.

Iwazaru Monday, 22 April 2024 07:19 AM

Great news for the “Malimawa”. I always suspected these fellows “ Gayantha Karunatilake, Dr.Harsha de Silva, Ajith Mannapperuma, Kavinda Jayawardane and J. C. Alawatuwala” will jump. Special Ajith Mannapperuma, Harasha De Silva and Alawatuwala “. You could easy read these face expressions on TV debates.

This is reality Monday, 22 April 2024 07:37 AM

What the issue? Let the SJB MPs utilise those funds for their respective constituencies and earn extra votes for the party and not the donor. One can play the game both ways.

Steve Monday, 22 April 2024 07:48 AM

Make hay while the sun shines

The king may be dead. But long live the king Monday, 22 April 2024 07:51 AM

How dare these MPs even go to the toilet without getting approval from the party leader?

Jayantha Monday, 22 April 2024 08:06 AM

Nothinf wrong with it. Only thing is at next election these guys will not get votes as sjb supporters will think they will crossover. Hardly any impact on the election with anything done by the government side. Imf never helps any country to develop as it is always helps corruption in this manner.

True Grit Monday, 22 April 2024 04:17 PM

Stupid comment. IMF would never be able to recover their loan if they help corruption. They will not gain anything but will lose by helping a corrupt govt.

Rocket Man Monday, 22 April 2024 08:24 AM

Way to go KB. The number one purveyor of misinformation at DM does it again.

Sokrates Monday, 22 April 2024 08:49 AM

These funds may be legally correct, but the timing couldn't be worse. It is quite clear that the MPs are to be lured into joining the UNP and securing the presidency for the dubious and incompetent Ranil.

Priyanee Wijesekera Monday, 22 April 2024 10:09 AM

You say that the person who dragged the country out of hell ,set it on the path to recovery and restored it's dignity is dubious and incompetent. People like you are the ones who vote for the leaders who have destroyed the country.people like you are a curse to this unfortunate country

Man Monday, 22 April 2024 10:50 AM

@ Priyanee; You got the privilege and honour to specify the action of your president done other than taxing ordinary people after ignoring his wealthy friends of 900 odd billion taxes.

All Previous and Present Politicians Contributed to this Crisis Monday, 22 April 2024 12:43 PM

@Priyanee- Ranil also contributed to the economic meltdown when he was PM. This meltdown was accumulating with endless IMF, ADB and other loans over the years. Being not paid in full plus interest accumulation, it got worst by that idiot Gota and his moron’s unworkable policies.

Jude Monday, 22 April 2024 08:52 AM

Harsha de Silva could be bought over for money and here's a classic example, Harsha have no policys and principals . Harsha a lowlife low-class SCUMBAG.

Anil Monday, 22 April 2024 12:18 PM

The difference is that Harsha seems to be working for his people first, and leader second. He is not a slave to a master.

Jude Monday, 22 April 2024 08:53 AM

RANIL in the process of buying SJB MP's for 50 million rupees out of public money.

Rajitha Monday, 22 April 2024 12:17 PM

Seems like an unsubstantiated rumor monger at work.

Christo255 Monday, 22 April 2024 09:18 AM

So the biggest critics of the government gets blinded by money after all? Good to know

Gihan Monday, 22 April 2024 09:22 AM

Just clearly shows that the SJB leadership is hell bent on sabotaging any initiative of the government, even it if is is to the detriment of the people of the respective electorates, so long as they can run the narrative that the people of the country are not being helped and looked after by the government. Shows the narrow minded, selfish, and petty mindset of the SJB leadership. Good on the few SJB MP's who chose to people before party politics.

Bandu Monday, 22 April 2024 09:29 AM

Nothing wrong if it not a bribe to favour Ranil and will be used only for the benefit of the electorate of each MP. If all MPs are entitled then it is not a party matter.

Mung okkoma horu malli Monday, 22 April 2024 09:36 AM

The SJB self destruction is going according to ranils plan.

Jagath Monday, 22 April 2024 09:37 AM

The only party without any issues is the NPP.

Hiran Monday, 22 April 2024 12:15 PM

Ha Ha ... you think so! Lol. Look more carefully and you will see that polarisation between the stated policies and the extreme policy stance of some of it key members. A lot of very influential persons on the ultra-left of the party are not happy with the public positioning to woo votes, and are keeping their lips shut right now as they need to go long with the show.

Gon politicians Monday, 22 April 2024 09:41 AM

So ranil has bought five SJB ministers. The fracture of the SJB has already begun. By election time three won’t be a SJB and Sajith will have to contest as an independent.

Man Monday, 22 April 2024 10:59 AM

Sajith is the leader of the SJB and can contest all alone on the SJB ticket even as the only MP left of the SJB. Nothing to worry about by any.

Ranjith PERERA Monday, 22 April 2024 11:17 AM

The ulterior motive of Ranil is that using public funds under the guise of decentralized allocation of funds to MPS or by other name , though it is legal as MPS are entitled but discriminatory since similar allocations have not been made to other opposition MPS.This can result in wrong impression on public that these MPS are potential crossovers to him by using a large part of media that controls by him.It is a known factor by now both both JVP and Ranil have subtle understanding between them to be preferred rivals as both are on opposite end of political spectrum against centrist SJB on the same political spectrum thereof SJB is likely potential big threat to them losing votes to SJB Secondly,Ranil provides now political ammunitions to JVP to do job for both of them and discredit SJB MPs in particular Dr Harsha De Silva who is a designated finance minister under SJB where JVP hell bent to destroy his credibility.

Priyan Monday, 22 April 2024 12:11 PM

No ulterior motives here but only to ensure that money is not wasted. It was to make sure that money is not used for "charity work" but employment generation activities.

Nikini J Monday, 22 April 2024 12:38 PM

Who would want to take prior approval for taking Bribe ..LOL

Lasantha Jayasinghe Monday, 22 April 2024 01:35 PM

This is the crossover list - Don't vote for them

Dr Saman Monday, 22 April 2024 01:38 PM

Harsha would have jumped the ship a long time ago if he was given the portfolio he wanted.

dinesh Monday, 22 April 2024 02:06 PM

hahaha..Ranil upto his usual tricks...corrupt or cajole with money or perks...SJB rot is setting in...the fox is very very busy....

Peter Perera Monday, 22 April 2024 02:10 PM

Remember the Paper that reports same..... Relations of the rejected Party.

Jabilo Monday, 22 April 2024 02:32 PM

Party has to approve and use it for the benefit of the people but there exist amazing frogs. Pathetic state of the political scenario, all parties involved at the moment.

Danny Monday, 22 April 2024 08:41 PM

It’s same old tricks ,

Fools Paradise Tuesday, 23 April 2024 09:18 AM

@ Jim- Yes. It is a good deed but to get votes. As you said Sajith would be exploiting the poor people to pay back which would be another suger scam.

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SJB embroiled in controversy after its MPs secure funds from Govt without party approval

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